A staple of classic Turkish cuisine, tomato and pepper pastes form the basis of countless Turkish dishes, including my favourites red lentil kofte/Mercimek Köftesi, and Turkish bulgur salad/Kisir. Similar to Italian tomato paste, Turkish pastes are concentrated purees of peppers or tomatoes, or a combination of both, and can be found in three variations including mild/tatli, hot/aci, or a medium in-between version, az achi. They may not be glamorous as far as Food Finds go, but these flavoursome pastes are kitchen essentials that you will find yourself reaching for again and again.
My favourite version of this paste is the combination version, Domates and Biber Karisik Salca, which includes both peppers and tomatoes and is labeled medium hot, although I personally find it quite mild. I find myself using it almost anywhere that tomato paste is called for and where a mild pepper flavour would not go amiss (which is almost anywhere!). While decidedly not Turkish in application, anything from pasta sauces, lentil stews, and vegetable soups will benefit from a dollop of this rich paste to help build deeper layers of flavour, and it is the Food Find ingredient in my Simple Garlic Tomatoes recipe. The tomato and pepper pastes are usually found in inexpensive glass jars of various sizes, and I find myself buying at least two jars each time I visit my favourite Turkish market, so as to never find myself without an ample supply. If you haven’t already tried this pantry staple, it is more than worth seeking out.
Where to find Turkish Tomato and Pepper Paste
You can find Turkish tomato and pepper paste in any Turkish market, international or European focused grocers, Middle Eastern shops, or online specialty vendors. If you happen to live in the Toronto area, you can find them here.
How to use Turkish Tomato and Pepper Paste
Turkish tomato and pepper paste can be used anywhere that you would use Italian tomato paste - anything from tomato based stews, soups, and curries, to pasta sauces and dips, will benefit from its deep umami flavours. Try Simple Garlic Tomatoes for a preparation as simple as it is delicious, where a big dollop of Turkish tomato and pepper paste imparts a deeply savoury flavour and helps to quickly create a rich and silky sauce that envelops sautéed tomato slices and semi-caramelized garlic. And of course, Turkish tomato and pepper pastes are the integral staple of more Turkish dishes than can be listed. Want to find some other uses for your jar of Turkish Tomato and Pepper Paste ? Check out my favourite Turkish recipe blog.
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